Hughes says some of his senior players have complained to him about their lack of game time and the likes of Peter Crouch, Mame Biram Diouf and Charlie Adam have spent most of the season on the sidelines.

The Stoke boss understands their frustrations, but says it is hard to make too many changes when the team are doing well and challenging on three fronts.

“There’s a little bit of frustration because we have senior players who aren’t playing as regular as their talent deserves,” said Hughes.

Frustration: Hughes admits some of his stars are unhappy with their amount of game time (Image: Clive Mason)

“We can’t address that for them at the moment because of the games we have.

“They have made me aware of their frustrations and I want that.

“It isn’t ideal for them, but it’s difficult for them to break into the side at the moment as a consequence of the form we are showing.”

Stoke face Leicester on Saturday at the King Power Stadium and Hughes dismissed talk that Claudio Ranieri’s side are running out of steam.